Canada Bolsters Air Force with $8.17B Contract for 70 Trainer Aircraft After F-35 Deal

 After securing a $14.2 billion deal for F-35 stealth fighters, Canada is now focusing on trainer jets, announcing plans to acquire new airframes to replace older models. On May 29, as part of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, Canada awarded SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership an $8.17 billion contract to provide 70 training aircraft from five different airframe fleets.

This 25-year FAcT contract includes basic and advanced flight training for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), covering aircraft and helicopter pilots, air combat systems officers, and airborne electronic sensor operators. Training will commence in spring 2029 and continue for 25 years.

The training fleet will include Airbus Helicopters H-135, Beechcraft King Air 260, De Havilland Dash 8-400 with mission training systems, Grob G120TP, and Pilatus PC-21. Basic flight training will be conducted in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, using seven Beechcraft King Air 260s and twenty-three Grob G120TPs, with nineteen Pilatus PC-21s for advanced jet pilot training. Advanced rotary-wing training will use seventeen Airbus H135s in Southport, Manitoba, and three DeHavilland Dash-8s equipped with mission training systems for training systems officers and sensor operators in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Bill Blair, the Minister of National Defense, emphasized the importance of collaboration with Canadian industry partners to provide necessary tools for military personnel while supporting jobs across Canada. He reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening defense relationships with transparency and trust, in line with their renewed vision for defense, "Our North, Strong and Free."

This move comes amid growing security concerns, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Canadian government has been investing heavily to modernize the RCAF’s aircraft fleet and enhance combat readiness. This includes transitioning from the outdated CT-155 Hawk unit to newer platforms, with interim training programs hosted by NATO allies in Texas, Italy, and Finland.

The acquisition from SkyAlyne will replace the current RCAF training program, which includes contracts with NATO and Allied Wings expiring in 2028 and 2027, respectively. The new contract also includes classroom instruction, simulator training, and support activities for various RCAF roles, contributing to Canada’s air capability expansion.

Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, RCAF Commander, highlighted the importance of modernizing training systems alongside frontline equipment and weapons systems to prepare personnel for increasingly complex operational theaters. This new purchase is part of the largest recapitalization of the RCAF since World War II, with Canada signing agreements for 140 aircraft since 2022, including F-35 fighters and P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft, as well as the MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and upgraded refueling planes.